Per the Department of Astronomy's Plan of Organization, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Committee responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Recommending initiatives to raise awareness of issues related to inclusion and diversity in astronomy and related fields.
• Recommending actions the Department can take to broaden participation of under-represented groups in the field.
• Identifying presenters for regular seminars on related topics.

The Committee is annually appointed by the Department Chair and shall include representation from Tenured/Tenure-track faculty, Professional Track faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.

The Department of Astronomy strives to create and uphold a safe, open environment that allows each of its members to grow professionally and contribute to the greater scientific community.

In order to foster such an environment, we firmly reject all forms of discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, race, color, religion, citizenship, language, political affiliation, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, physical appearance, veteran status, or age. As a department, we condemn all forms of bullying and harassment, including those based on educational or professional status. Following the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Code of Ethics, we define bullying and harassment to include threatening, humiliating, coercive, or intimidating conduct that causes harm to, interferes with, or sabotages one's professional development or scientific activity.

The department strives to promote clear and transparent policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Each member of the department is responsible for maintaining an inclusive climate, with senior members of the department accepting a special responsibility. Furthermore, we strongly encourage each member to take on a proactive role both in understanding social inequalities that are present in our scientific field and work communities-and in our society as a whole-as well as in promoting equity and justice within the field.

Through such actions and responsibilities, we aspire to facilitate an open exchange of ideas and enhance the professional experience of all members and the quality, integrity, and pace of scientific advancement. We expect all members of the department to abide by the AAS Code of Ethics and University of Maryland policies.

• Ensuring that all members of the department have access to shared spaces, e.g. providing 24/7 access to the department for undergraduates.
• Organizing a mentoring program for 1st year graduate students with a faculty member other than their main advisor.
• Organizing a department-wide colloquium once per year focusing on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Coordinating internal and public statements such as the department's DEI mission statement and code of conduct, as well as responses to events that may be distressing to members of the department.
• Maintaining an anonymous suggestion box for DEIA related concerns.

The Department of Astronomy condemns the continuing murders of Black citizens driven by the systemic racism that has festered in this country for so many years. The murder of George Floyd was particularly disturbing and reprehensible, since we could all see in heartbreaking detail how an official, who swore to protect other citizens, has killed a human being in his power while his colleagues did nothing to intervene.

This murder has forcibly reminded us of the humanity of the people who have been lost in racist acts for hundreds of years. I know it has been heartbreaking for everyone in the department, and that we are deeply concerned for those who are most affected, and particularly department members of color. Especially as you suffer, the Department looks for ways to provide support and if possible solace in more fully understanding and fighting against the massive injustice involved. It remains a long road to justice, and there is no time to waste.

We must all strive to change the system of institutional racism that is the root of this. We cannot be silent. I know that department members are joining protests, supporting political actions to reorient policing and the justice system to more fairly serve the nation, supporting organizations that stand for rights, and above all, voting for elected officials who represent their ultimate beliefs. Please continue to share your actions, ideas, and lessons with the entire department -- visibly participating in the process may be the best way to support our colleagues, and visible absence can send a message. The department, and most emphatically I, continue to offer what power we have to make a better future.

Andrew Harris, Ph.D. | Professor and Chair
Department of Astronomy | University of Maryland
April 2023